Hot Yoga Superheroes

Everyone says this but for us, it's true: we have superheroes at Riverflow Yoga.

They never say "can't."

Take Marguerite Hellwich, for example; not only is she an avid hot yogi, an active contributor to  our online yoga discussions, she is also part of our Riverflow Hot Yoga Warrior Teacher Training...all while she is on military deployment in Afghanistan.

Ask any of our teachers: Riverflow Hot Yoga Warrior Teacher Training is a challenge.

Now imagine doing it from a war zone; talk about dancing backwards, in heels! Here's how all you superheroes at Riverflow Yoga are supporting her.

One of the unique aspects of Riverflow Hot Yoga Warrior Teacher Training is our Accountability Partners; your personal coach through the finish line.

I am Marguerite's Accountabilty Partner and I must tell you; it's humbling.

You think you have challenges in your hot yoga practice?

Marguerite tends to her commitment to hot yoga - hot yoga classes (every Monday) her teacher training homework - while she is tending to wounded soldiers. Sometimes it's not safe outside her bunker and more times than not, her WIFI crashes.

I mean literally.... bombs.

Marguerite has taught me about the kind of resolve it takes to do what you want in your life, no matter what threatens to hold you back.

She could have waited to do Teacher Training, to continue hot yoga when things got easier; but Marguerite wants to bring hot yoga to the military, and she's not willing to put that dream on the back burner.

Hot yoga in a war zone....imagine the miracles.

Makes me wonder if I am going for my big goals, if I am playing this game of life in the biggest possible way, if I am willing to put everything on the line.

I have also learned from Marguerite about military life: a personal, day-to-day view of life in a war zone.

One of the first heartbreaking things I learned is that fresh food is scarce; soldiers must eat what's available  which is mostly overbaked chicken and boiled potatoes (even Marguerite, who is vegetarian).

Recently, military budget cutbacks made things worse: some meals are now freeze-dried, reconstituted food.

Everyone deserves nourishment, and who more than our deployed heros?

So, my amazing yoga community: it's up to us to nourish these heroes, body and spirit.

I have started a campaign to send food to Marguerite's unit of 30 soldiers. I initially sent two boxes filled with all the Trader Joe's treats we serve here at Riverflow Yoga after each hot yoga class - dried fuits and nuts, dark chocolates, organic cookies - and some things we dont serve but they certainly need (soups, teas)

People need to eat daily, so we need to send more.

CLICK HERE to support the food drive for Marguerite. Good karma plus free hot yoga classes for you.

There's a hero inside each of us. Your caring and commitment not only awakens the warrior in your life - it makes you a Superhero to me.

Comments

[Melina]

What a beautiful evolution of events!

Marguerite, you are an incredible example of strength and resilience for all of us!

And Rhonda, you are so right - Marguerite's story also makes me reflect on the convenient excuses that are the true roadblocks to living the 'big life'.

It's a domino effect of positive sparks - Marguerite, you sparked Rhonda, and Rhonda sparked a whole load of valuable players and hot yogis at the studio...

Your positive energy and determination is inspiring...I'm so impressed by you and proud to be a teacher trainee by your side...count on my donation!

And when you come back we'll cook up the meanest, greenest, leafiest, freshest meal for you to celebrate! :-) Until then, enjoy the upcoming goodies!